While doing some restoration and keeping this car in the family may be a good idea, you might be shocked at how much it would bring on such a place as e-bay or craigslist. These cars are extremely popular with hotrodders. I would guess the sale price to be in the $5K-$10K range, if the car is in generally good shape.
But if you wanted to keep it, you can probably even register it as an antique vehicle, which is very inexpensive and usually exempts you from all inspections.
And just in passing, in 1963 seat belts were standard on American Motors cars.
Quote: And just in passing, in 1963 seat belts were standard on American Motors cars.
I think the anchors were standard, but only in the front seats for the driver and one passenger. It was up the original owner to either have the factory install seatbelts or not. At least that’s the way my father’s new Ambassador was. Granted that’s a 44 year old memory. He opted for the available lap belts, which saved my mother from certain injury about a year later when the car was hit in the passenger side. I don’t recall being belted in the back seat of that car at any time. I had a '64 Olds 98 that had four lap belts. I had another just like it that I bought for parts. It didn’t have belts at all. I suppose they could have been removed. By '65, I think lap belts were federally mandated. In '68 shoulder belts became law. I have two 50 Nashes. One has the original belt for the front seat passenger only. It’s made of COTTON webbing. It was thought that a passenger sleeping on the folded down front seat needed some sort of security due to their unconscious state.
"But if you wanted to keep it, you can probably even register it as an antique vehicle, which is very inexpensive and usually exempts you from all inspections.
Well, almost all inspections. In most states, you do have to go to an inspection station once a year in order for them to verify that the car has not been driven more than X number of miles during the preceding year.
A car that is registered as an antique is usually exempt from safety inspections as long as it is driven for a limited number of miles. IIRC, in NJ the limit is something like 7k per year in order to continue to be exempt from safety inspections.
Linda, I now own and occasionally drive a 1963 Buick Riviera that my Dad bought long ago. Don’t underestimate sentimental value. I would not sell my car and neither should you. BTW, my car has front seat belts. They were extra cost when the car was new. Rear belts were also available as dealer-installed option.
There are many things that you can do to minimize the cost of holding it and driving it occasionally, such as registering it and insuring it as an antique vehicle, look around for a local car club or join a national Falcon Club (good source of parts and expertise to get it fixed). The oil burning can be fixed without major expense. Try doing it yourself! Or take a class in auto repair at the local community college and do the job yourself.
Drive it and have fun with your family in it. Seat belts can be added in the rear. It’s part of your family history. Tell your husband to go chill.
It depends on the state. For example CO does not have safety inspections at all (and emission testing in metro areas). It’s my understanding that antique vehicles are subject to a one time emissions test and have a 5 year registration. I don’t believe you have to redo the testing as long as you maintain the registration.
Regarding the Falcon, if you like it you should maintain it and use it. Cars are meant to be driven.